WMS entrance exam in the canton of Bern: Your comprehensive guide
The Wirtschaftsmittelschule (WMS) in the Canton of Berne offers a school-based basic education leading to a commercial apprenticeship (EFZ) and a vocational baccalaureate. Here you will find all the important information about the WMS entrance examination and the requirements.
Registration and requirements for the WMS entrance exam
The Registration for the WMS examination must be submitted by February 15, 2025. Admission is possible after completion of compulsory elementary school and before the age of 18. The written examinations will take place on March 8, 2025, the oral examination in French on March 6, 2025.
Exam-free admission
Exam-free admission is possible for students who have already been admitted to a Gymnasium or FMS course in the German-speaking part of the canton or who are assessed as suitable at the end of the first semester of the third year of lower secondary school. This assessment is carried out by the relevant elementary school authority.
Admission with examination
If admission without an exam is not possible, students can be registered for the WMS entrance exam. The examination subjects include German (75 minutes), French (written 45 minutes, oral 5 minutes), English (45 minutes) and mathematics (75 minutes). The examination material is based on the curriculum of secondary level 1, first semester of the 9th school year.
Exam form and content
German: Text production (two essay topics to choose from)
French: Communicative skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
English: text comprehension, grammar, text production, vocabulary
Mathematics: algebra, arithmetic and geometry
Passing standard
The examination is deemed to have been passed if the weighted average of the four examination grades is at least 4.0, with mathematics being weighted twice.
Exam preparation
Old examination series and reports from the last entrance examinations are recommended for preparation. These provide valuable insights into the examination requirements.
Admission from private schools
Pupils from recognized private schools can also be recommended for examination-free transfer if the requirements are met.
How much does tutoring for the WMS exam cost?
The cost of WMS exam preparation varies depending on the provider and type of course. Prices range from CHF 30 to CHF 59 per lesson for private lessons, depending on whether they are one-to-one, semi-private or trio private lessons. For group lessons, the prices are CHF 33 per lesson for one subject and CHF 29 per lesson for two subjects.
This comprehensive information on the WMS entrance examination will help you to prepare optimally for entry to the Wirtschaftsmittelschule in the Canton of Bern. If you have any further questions, please contact the Department of Education and Culture.
